New Zealand blizzard: 36 day trippers trapped

One of the 36 day trippers trapped in remote Central Otago says the group's diesel supplies are running low, as blizzard-like conditions continue to hamper rescue efforts.

The group, who were on a four-wheel-drive trip yesterday when they ran into trouble on the Waikaia Bush Rd above Piano Flat, near Roxburgh, woke up to the news that their rescue was still some time away.

Gemma Dodds, who spent the night in a 4WD with her two young children - Matthew, 10, and Narzyna, 8 - told the Herald this morning: "We've got a few blankets but it will be good to get out of here."

The convoy of about 15 vehicles was near the end of its trail when it was hit by a sudden snowstorm.

Ms Dodds said the snow came in thick and fast and that even the group's strongest vehicles could not push through.

The group was now spread out over 100m and a number of the vehicles are buried in snow.

Ms Dodds said the conditions were not too bad in the 4WD at first, but then their vehicle lost battery power and it was very cold.

They managed to get connected to another truck and they were able to keep warm, but supplies were beginning to run low.

Police have made contact with the group, who are in a remote area on Waikaia Bush Rd, near Piano Flat, in Otago, near the boundary with Southland.

The group is understood to be near a location known as "Potters", on Waikaia Bush Rd. A person familiar with the area says it is possible for the road to be closed by snow drifts several metres deep.

A search and rescue team is on alert, ready to be deployed when there is a gap in the weather - but as yet is still unable to get any closer to the group.

"A land-based effort is being co-ordinated after extremely poor weather has negated the ability to utilise helicopter options in the recovery," said Senior Sergeant Craig Dinnissen of the Southern District Police yesterday.

Otago Rescue Helicopter Trust chief pilot Graeme Gale said an air rescue was the only possible option at present.

He said snow banks of up to 2m prevented a land-based rescue.

Cloud had, however, made it difficult for the helicopter crew to get in early this morning.